Magnetic coupling device and method

ABSTRACT

An article and method for coupling two or more objects together uses magnetically attractive forces generated by corresponding magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) positioned at or near the periphery of the two or more objects. Multiple magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) are spaced-apart around the periphery of the two or more objects. Alternatively, two corresponding annular magnet(s) and/or pieces of metal are used. Where multiple spaced-apart magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) are used, the magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) are either regularly spaced-apart or asymmetrically spaced. The coupling device is generally designed to hold tubular objects together. The coupling device has numerous advantages, including, for example, rapid assembly and disassembly, pressure release characteristics, superior ergonomics for the user, increased adjustability for specific applications, and improved durability.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application makes reference to U.S. application Ser. No.11/736,664, entitled “MAGNETICALLY COUPLED HUMIDIFIER CONTAINERCOMPONENTS,” filed Apr. 18, 2007. This application also makes referenceto international PCT App. No. PCT/US08/59611, entitled “MAGNETICALLYCOUPLED HUMIDIFIER CONTAINER COMPONENTS,” filed Apr. 8, 2008. The entiredisclosure and contents of the above applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a coupling means for joining two ormore objects together using magnetic forces to allow reversibleengagement of the two or more objects via magnets and/or metal membersthat may be spaced-apart around the exterior or interior perimeter ofthe two or more objects in a patterned arrangement to encourage aspecific alignment or set of alignments between the objects.

2. Related Art

Most objects, such as lids/containers or other tubular objects orstructures like pipes, hoses, etc., that need to be reversibly orreleasably attached or joined use a threaded screwing mechanism or someother type of mechanical engagement, such as a snapping or a snug-fitmechanism relying exclusively on friction and/or physical constraint,between the two or more objects. Relatively few examples exist forreversibly joining or attaching two or more objects together usingmagnetic forces. Some common examples do exist, for example, withvarious types of handbags or device holders where two planar surfacesare joined. However, these articles typically rely on usingcorresponding magnets and/or metal pieces having a matching flat shape,such as a disk or annular ring. Since the contacting planar surfaces ofthese articles are typically positioned or aligned by some other form offixed attachment, it is not important that the corresponding magnets ormetal pieces encourage any particular alignment, thus allowing forsimply symmetric coupling surfaces of the magnets and/or metal pieces,e.g., a disk or ring shape, to be used without any particularorientation. Furthermore, such articles tend to have their correspondingmagnets and/or metal pieces integrated into the article itself with theintention that they be used over the life of the article.

While the use of a threaded screw-type mechanism to hold objects, suchas containers and lids or tubular objects/structures, together are oftensufficient and effective, the use of such threaded screw-typeengagements also tends to be associated with several drawbacks. Forexample, the threads can become stripped and no longer promote a secureengagement, thus causing the threaded connection to leak fluid from aninterior compartment of the connected objects. Corrosion may also causedeterioration of the physical contact between the two threadedengagements, thus leading to leakages as well. In addition, chemicaldeposition of materials between the threaded engagements may also bondthe objects together making it difficult to overcome through manualforce. Threaded engagements also run the risk of being overly tightened,and even when a threaded sections are properly engaged, personsexperiencing muscle weakness or pain, such as by arthritis, may find itdifficult to manually twist the objects together or apart.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for a means of coupling or joiningtwo or more objects that allows for those objects to be easily andreversibly engaged and detached from one another. A need exists for acoupling means that is durable and capable of being removed from the twoor more objects such that the coupling means may be reused to allow forthe objects themselves to be discarded and replaced without risk ofcross-contamination. A further need exists for a coupling means that maybe adjustably designed so that the amount of force holding the twoobjects together is appropriately based on the types of objects andintended application and such that at least partial separation may occurwhen pressure within the objects exceeds a predetermined threshold. Ayet further need exists in the art for a coupling means that encouragesor forces the objects to succumb to one or more predeterminedorientations or alignments in relation to one another. Finally, a needexists for a coupling means that holds the objects together whilemaintaining separation between the objects themselves such that theobjects are electrically or otherwise isolated from each other.

SUMMARY

According to one broad aspect of the invention, a device and method forcoupling two or more objects together is described using a couplingdevice comprising a first portion having at least one magnet; and asecond portion having at least one corresponding metal piece, whereinsaid first portion is attached to a first object and positioned at ornear the periphery of said first object, wherein said second portion isattached to a second object and positioned at or near the periphery ofsaid second object, and wherein said first object and said second objectare held together by magnetically attractive forces when said firstportion and said second portion are engaged.

According to another broad aspect of the invention, a device and methodfor coupling two or more objects together is described using a couplingdevice comprising a first portion having at least one magnet; and asecond portion having at least one corresponding magnet, wherein saidfirst portion is attached to a first object and positioned at or nearthe periphery of said first object, wherein said second portion isattached to a second object and positioned at or near the periphery ofsaid second object, and wherein said first object and said second objectare held together by magnetically attractive forces when said firstportion and said second portion are engaged.

According to another broad aspect of the invention, a device and methodfor coupling two or more objects together is described using a couplingdevice comprising a first object having at least one magnet integratedwithin said first object and positioned at or near the periphery of saidfirst object; and a second object having at least one correspondingmetal piece integrated within said second object and positioned at ornear the periphery of said second object, wherein said first object andsaid second object are held together by magnetically attractive forceswhen said at least one magnet of said first object and said at least onecorresponding metal piece of said second object are engaged.

According to another broad aspect of the invention, a device and methodfor coupling two or more objects together is described using a couplingdevice comprising a first object having at least one magnet integratedwithin said first object and positioned at or near the periphery of saidfirst object; and a second object having at least one correspondingmagnet integrated within said second object and positioned at or nearthe periphery of said second object, wherein said first object and saidsecond object are held together by magnetically attractive forces whensaid at least one magnet of said first object and said at least onecorresponding magnet of said second object are engaged.

According to another broad aspect of the invention, a device and methodfor coupling two or more objects together is described using a couplingdevice comprising a first object having at least one magnet integratedwithin said first object and positioned at or near the periphery of saidfirst object; and a portion of said coupling device comprising a collarhaving at least one corresponding metal piece, wherein said collar isattached to a second object and positioned at or near the periphery ofsaid second object, wherein said first object and said second object areheld together by magnetically attractive forces when said at least onemagnet of said first object and said at least one corresponding metalpiece of said collar are engaged.

According to another broad aspect of the invention, a device and methodfor coupling two or more objects together is described using a couplingdevice comprising a first object having at least one magnet integratedwithin said first object and positioned at or near the periphery of saidfirst object; and a portion of said coupling device comprising a collarhaving at least one corresponding magnet, wherein said collar isattached to a second object and positioned at or near the periphery ofsaid second object, wherein said first object and said second object areheld together by magnetically attractive forces when said at least onemagnet of said first object and said at least one corresponding magnetof said collar are engaged.

According to yet another broad aspect of the invention, a device andmethod for coupling two or more objects together is described using acoupling device comprising a first object having at least one metalpiece integrated within said first object and positioned at or near theperiphery of said first object; and a portion of said coupling devicecomprising a collar having at least one corresponding magnet, whereinsaid collar is attached to a second object and positioned at or near theperiphery of said second object, wherein said first object and saidsecond object are held together by magnetically attractive forces whensaid at least one metal piece of said first object and said at least onecorresponding magnet of said collar are engaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment for coupling device of present inventionhaving round and symmetrically spaced-apart magnets and/or metal pieces.FIG. 1 a shows a first portion and a second portion of the couplingdevice disengaged and separated. FIG. 1 b shows a cross section of firstand second portions of the coupling device from FIG. 1 a in thedisengaged and separated position. FIG. 1 c shows a cross section offirst and second portions of the coupling device from FIG. 1 a properlyengaged and joined.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment for coupling device of present inventionwith first portion and second portion having rectangular andsymmetrically spaced-apart magnets and/or metal pieces.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment for coupling device of present inventionhaving round and symmetrically spaced-apart magnets and/or metal pieceswith an additional groove around the inner perimeter of first and secondportions of coupling device. FIG. 3 a shows first and second portions ofcoupling device disengaged and separated. FIG. 3 b shows a cross-sectionof first and second portions of the coupling device from FIG. 3 a in adisengaged and separated position with objects associated with bothfirst and second portions. FIG. 3 c shows a cross-section of first andsecond portions of coupling device from FIG. 3 a properly engaged andjoined with objects associated with both first and second portions. FIG.3 d shows a cross section of an alternative arrangement for first andsecond portions of coupling device associated with objects with anadditional flange on object and with coupling device disengaged andseparated. FIG. 3 e shows a cross section of first and second portionsof FIG. 3 d properly engaged and joined. FIG. 3 f shows a cross-sectionof another embodiment of coupling device similar to FIG. 3 d withcoupling device disengaged and separated but with gaskets on surface ofobjects. FIG. 3 g shows a cross section of first and second portions ofcoupling device shown in FIG. 3 f properly engaged and joined.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of coupling device of present invention withfirst and second portions of coupling device associated with objectscomprising a container and lid.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment for coupling device of present inventionhaving a first portion and a second portion attached to an interiorperimeter of two objects. FIG. 5 a shows the first and second portionsof coupling device in a disengaged and separated position. FIG. 5 bshows a cross-section of first and second portions of coupling deviceshown in FIG. 5 a disengaged and separated. FIG. 5 c shows across-section of first and second portions of coupling device similar toFIG. 5 b properly engaged and joined.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment for coupling device of present inventionhaving a first portion attached to an interior perimeter of one objectand a second portion attached to an exterior perimeter of a secondobject. FIG. 6 a shows first and second portions of coupling device in adisengaged and separated position. FIG. 6 b shows a cross-section offirst and second portions of coupling device shown in FIG. 6 adisengaged and separated. FIG. 6 c shows a cross-section of first andsecond portions of coupling device similar to FIG. 6 b properly engagedand joined.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment for coupling device of present inventionhaving annular magnet(s) or metal piece(s) around an external perimeterof two objects. FIG. 7 a shows first portion and second portion of thecoupling device disengaged and separated. FIG. 7 b shows a cross-sectionof first portion and second portion of the coupling device attached toobjects disengaged and separated. FIG. 7 c shows a cross-section offirst and second portions of coupling device attached to objects fromFIG. 7 b properly engaged and joined.

FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional cross-section of another embodiment forcoupling device of present invention having magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) integrated into objects themselves to be joined. First andsecond objects are shown disengaged and separated but positioned forengagement by moving first object and second object together.

FIG. 9 shows a three-dimensional cross-section of another embodiment forcoupling device of present invention having a collar with magnet(s)and/or metal piece(s) attached to a first object and a second objecthaving magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) integrated into second objectwith collar and first object disengaged and separated from secondobject. Collar and first object as well as second object are shownpositioned for engagement by moving first and second objects together.

FIG. 10 shows additional embodiments of coupling device of presentinvention having asymmetrically spaced-apart magnets and/or metalpieces. FIG. 10 a shows an arrangement that would have only one stablealignment between the first and second portions of the coupling device.FIG. 10 b shows an alternative embodiment that would have only twostable alignments of first and second portions of coupling device.

FIG. 11 shows another set of embodiments for coupling device of presentinvention having additional means for securing or fastening first andsecond portions together. FIG. 11 a shows an example of a clip that maybe used to secure coupling device once engaged. FIG. 11 b shows anexample of a hook that may be used to secure coupling device onceengaged by swinging into place. FIG. 11 c shows an example of a slot andtab mechanism for securing first and second portions of coupling devicetogether once engaged. FIG. 11 d shows an example of a latch that snapsinto place to secure a first and second portions of coupling devicetogether once engaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Definitions

It is advantageous to define several terms before describing theinvention. It should be appreciated that the following definitions areused throughout this application.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “spaced-apart”refers to the spacing between individual magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s)held by first or second portion of coupling device or integrated intoobjects themselves. Such spacing is generally along and near theperiphery of objects to be joined. Such spacing may either be regular(i.e., approximately equal) or irregular (i.e., asymmetrically arrangedwith unequal spacing).

For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “object” or“objects” joined by coupling device of present invention generally referto tubular objects that contain an interior hollow space or lumen.Tubular objects may include hoses, pipes, poles, etc. Such objects ofpresent invention may have any cross-sectional shape, including regularor irregular polygons or any other appropriate closed curve, and eachobject may have different cross-sectional shapes at different positionsalong its length. Tubular objects joined by coupling device of presentinvention are further envisioned to include enclosed containers, such asa cup/vessel joined with a lid/cap or a cup/vessel joined with anothercup/vessel. Such objects may be permanently or reversibly attached tocoupling device. Alternatively, magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) may beintegrated into one or more of objects to be joined by coupling device.Such objects may be made of any metal, plastic, or polymeric material,or combination thereof.

For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “engage,”“engaged,” or “engagement” generally refer to the juxtaposition ofcomponents/portions of coupling device and objects themselves such thatcoupling device and/or objects are held together by magneticallyattractive forces generated between magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) ofpresent invention. Magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) may be present withinportions of coupling device, or they may be integral to objectsthemselves.

For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “disengage,”“disengaged,” or “disengagement” generally have the opposite meaningcompared to terms “engage,” “engaged,” or “engagement” and generallyrefer to the separation of components/portions of coupling device andobjects themselves from each other. Such separation occurs by overcomingthe magnetically attractive forces holding coupling device and objectstogether.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “collar” generallyrefers to a piece of material, such as metal, plastic, or otherpolymeric material, that is used to hold magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s)for each portion(s) of coupling device that are associated or attachedat or near the periphery of objects to be joined by coupling device. Theshape of such collar generally corresponds to the cross-sectional shapeof the periphery of objects to be joined. Such collar may have anyshape, including regular or irregular polygons or any other appropriateclosed curve, to accommodate the shapes of the objects to which it isassociated or attached. Such collar may hold regularly or asymmetricallyspaced-apart magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) or a single annular magnetand/or piece of metal, as the case may be. Such collar may or may nothave additional protrusions to hold magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s).Such collar may be designed to fit around either the internal orexternal surface of an object. Such collar may be made hollow to notinterfere with the interior compartment or lumen of tubular objects tobe joined, including containers and lids, or to fit around an externalsurface of an object.

For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “gasket” or“gaskets” generally refer to a mechanical seal that fills the spacebetween portion(s) of coupling device and/or object(s) themselves. It isusually desirable that such gaskets be made from a material that is tosome degree compressible such that it tightly fills space betweenportion(s) of coupling device and/or object(s), including any slightirregularities. Such gaskets generally prevent leakage from betweenportion(s) of coupling device and/or object(s) while under compression.Gaskets of present invention may be produced by cutting from sheetmaterials, such as gasket paper, rubber, silicone, metal, cork, felt,Neoprene, fiberglass, or a plastic polymer. However, gaskets of presentinvention may be produced according to any known method, including thosefor sheet gaskets, solid material gaskets, spiral wound gaskets, doublejacketed gaskets, corrugated gaskets, etc.

Description

The coupling device of the present invention allows for two or moreobjects to be connected or attached using magnetically attractiveforces. Where multiple spaced-apart magnets and/or metal pieces are usedor where continuous or segmented magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) areused, the amount and kind of attractive force(s) of the presentinvention produced by the magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) to hold thetwo or more objects together may depend on a number of factors,including the relative number, position, size, shape, orientation,composition, density, etc. of each magnet and/or metal piece. By varyingthese factors, the magnetic coupling device can be tailored for specificapplications.

In general, magnetically attractive forces are generated by either (i)electric currents, or (ii) materials having magnetic dipoles (ormoments) as a result of intrinsic (or “spin”) properties of chargedparticles within atoms. Magnets produced by electric current arecollectively referred to as electromagnets, whereas materials havingintrinsic magnetically attractive properties are generally classified asbeing either paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, or ferrimagnetic. Paramagnetstypically refer to materials having atoms with unpaired electrons thatbecome magnetized when placed in a magnetic field. However, becausethose unpaired electrons of paramagnetic materials generally orientthemselves randomly and behave independently of their neighbors, mostparamagnets remain only weakly magnetic even when placed in a magneticfield.

Most magnets commonly known and/or used commercially are ferromagnets(or ferrimagnets). Like paramagnets, ferromagnets generally havemagnetic moments as a result of angular momentum of unpaired electrons.However, in contrast to paramagnets, ferromagnets also possess anexchange force that tends to orient the magnetic moments of neighboringatoms in parallel to create unified domains within ferromagnets having anet magnetic moment in a particular direction. A typical ferromagnet iscomposed of multiple domains having net magnetic moments pointing invarying directions with each domain separated from neighboring domainsby domain walls. Ferrimagnets are similar to ferromagnets except thatthe material is generally composed of different sublattices havingopposing magnetic moments. However, since the opposing moments aretypically unequal, a net magnetization of the ferrimagnetic materialgenerally remains.

Ferromagnets may be further classified as either (i) permanent (or hard)magnets, or (ii) temporary (or soft) magnets. Permanent magnetsgenerally resist being magnetized and demagnetized, whereas temporarymagnets are generally magnetized and demagnetized relatively easily. Anumber of factors determine whether a magnetic material has permanent ortemporary magnetic properties, including for example the degree ofanisotropy, size of crystals, and the amount of impurities. In general,ferromagnets that are more anisotropic, impure, and contain smallercrystals tend to have characteristics of permanent (or hard) magnets,and vice versa. The reason is that it is more difficult for the domainwalls or boundaries to migrate through a “hard” ferromagnet in responseto being placed in a magnetic field. Thus, permanent or hard magnetsmaintain their magnetization when removed from a magnetic field andresist becoming demagnetized even when placed in a magnetic field ofopposite polarity. On the other hand, the domain walls of temporary (orsoft) ferromagnetic materials are able to migrate more freely inresponse to a magnetic field. As a result, temporary ferromagneticmaterials are capable of being magnetized in the presence of a magneticfield but generally lose their magnetization and become demagnetizedwhen removed from a magnetic field.

The terms “piece of metal,” “metal piece,” and “metal pieces” of thepresent invention generally refer to compositions or alloys containingtemporary (or soft) ferromagnetic (or ferrimagnetic) materials that arecapable of becoming magnetized when placed in a magnetic field, such aswhen placed within close proximity of a permanent magnet, but generallylose their magnetism when removed from a magnetic field. Examples oftemporary magnets may include compositions or alloys containing iron,steel, nickel, and/or cobalt. In appropriate circumstances, however, theterms “piece of metal,” “metal piece,” and “metal pieces” of the presentinvention may also refer to compositions or alloys containingparamagnetic materials.

Permanent magnets generally fall within four classes: (i) ceramic orferrite magnets, (ii) alnico magnets, or (iii) rare-earth magnets.Ceramic, or ferrite, magnets comprise a class of chemical compounds withthe formula AB₂O₄, where A and B represent various metal cations,usually including iron. Ferrite magnets are generally made of a sinteredcomposite of powdered iron oxide and barium/strontium carbonate ceramic.Ceramic or ferrite magnets are generally inexpensive to produce and aregenerally non-corroding, but they are also brittle and subject tobreaking.

Alnico magnets are made by casting or sintering a combination ofaluminium, nickel and cobalt with iron and small amounts of otherelements (such as copper or perhaps titanium) added to enhance theproperties of the magnet. Alnico magnets resist corrosion and may bestronger than some ferrite magnets but are generally more expensive toproduce. A related type of permanent magnet is a ticonal magnet, whichgenerally comprises an alloy of titanium, cobalt, nickel, and aluminum,with iron and small amounts of other elements.

Rare-earth magnets are strong, permanent magnets made from alloys ofrare earth elements. ‘Rare earth’ (lanthanoid) elements have a partiallyoccupied f electron shell (which can accommodate up to 14 electrons).The spin of these electrons can be aligned, resulting in very strongmagnetic fields, and therefore these elements are used in compacthigh-strength magnets. Rare-earth magnets are substantially strongerthan ferrite or alnico magnets. The magnetic field typically produced byrare-earth magnets can be in excess of 1.2 Teslas. Ferrite or ceramicmagnets typically exhibit fields of 50 to 100 milliTeslas (forconversion, 1 Tesla (T)=10,000 Gauss (G)). However, rare-earth magnetsare generally expensive to produce. Because rare earth magnets areextremely brittle, they are usually nickel-coated to protect them frombreaking, hence their typically shiny, corrosion resistant nature.

The most common types of rare earth magnets are samarium-cobalt andneodymium-iron-boron (NIB) magnets. Neodymium magnets, such as Nd₂Fe₁₄B,are the strongest and most affordable type of rare-earth magnet. Theyhave the highest magnetic field strength, but are inferior tosamarium-cobalt in resistance to oxidation and temperature.Samarium-cobalt magnets, such as SmCo₅, are less common than Neodymiummagnets because they are more expensive to produce, create a weakermagnetic field than Neodymium magnets, and are brittle and prone tochipping and cracking. However, Samarium-cobalt magnets are superior athigh temperatures and are highly resistant to oxidation. Furthermore,protective surface treatments such as gold, nickel, zinc and tin platingand epoxy resin coating may be used to provide corrosion protectionwhere required.

For purposes of the present invention, the terms “magnet” or “magnets”generally refer to compositions or alloys containing permanent magnets,such as ferromagnets (or ferrimagnets), and may include, for example,ceramic or ferrite magnets, alnico magnets, and/or rare-earth magnets asdescribed above. In addition, however, the terms “magnet” or “magnets”of the present invention may also refer to electromagnets in appropriatecircumstances.

An electromagnet is typically created by forming a tightly-woundsolenoid or helical coil of wire; however, other arrangements may bepossible. The electromagnet behaves like a permanent magnet when currentis flowing through the wire with the strength and polarity of theelectromagnet depending on the magnitude and direction of the current aswell as the construction and composition of the wire. Electromagnetsoften contain a soft magnetic core material inside the helical coil ofwire to greatly amplify the strength of the magnetic field bymagnetizing the soft magnetic material due to its permeability.

The magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) of the present invention may be madeto form any shape or size and may comprise an alloy, composite, mixture,or any other composition containing appropriate permanent and/ortemporary magnetic material(s). The magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) maybe sintered, injection-molded, or formed according to any known methodmanufacture. The magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) may also be made into aflexible material where appropriate. The magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s)of the present invention may further contain non-magnetic materials,such as resins or polymeric materials, and magnet(s) of the presentinvention may further contain soft magnetic material(s). Of course, thesame generalizations may apply where an annular magnet(s) and/or anannular piece of metal are used.

By altering the number, position, size, shape, strength, orientation,type, composition, density, etc. of magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) inrelation to one another, coupling device of present invention may bedesigned and customized to suit particular applications. In general, themagnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) of coupling device are positioned at ornear the periphery of two or more objects joined. Magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) of coupling device may be placed around an external and/or aninternal perimeter of such objects, or they may be integral thereto.Such objects themselves joined by coupling device may be any size orshape, and arrangement of magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) as well ascoupling device as a whole may be designed to accommodate or correspondto size and shape of two or more objects joined. Of course, the samegeneralizations may apply where an annular magnet(s) and/or an annularpiece of metal are used.

According to one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 shows a couplingdevice 101 having a first portion 103 and a second portion 105. FIG. 1 ashows first portion 103 and second portion 105 separated and disengaged.First portion 103 is shown having a collar 110 with protrusions 112 tohold magnets and/or metal pieces 114 in holes 116 positioned withinprotrusions 112. First portion 103 is shown with distal surface 118facing away from second portion 105 and proximal surface 120 facingtoward second portion 105.

FIG. 1 a shows second portion 105 having a collar 130 with protrusions132 to hold magnets and/or metal pieces 134 in holes 136 positionedwithin protrusions 132. Second portion 105 is shown with distal surface138 facing away from first portion 103 and proximal surface 140 facingtoward first portion 103. Proximal surface 140 of second portion 105 mayhave a gasket 156 facing toward first portion 103. First portion 103 mayalso have a gasket on its proximal surface 120 facing toward secondportion 105 (not shown).

FIG. 1 b shows a cross section view of the coupling device 101 shown inFIG. 1 a with objects attached. FIG. 1 b shows first portion 103 andsecond portion 105 disengaged as before. First portion 103 is furthershown attached to a first object 150 with external surface 152 of firstobject 150 in contact with inner surface 122 of first portion 103.External surface 152 of first object 150 may be optionally adhered toinner surface 122 of first portion 103 with an adhesive (not shown).First portion 103 may have a gasket 146 attached to its proximal surface120 facing toward second portion 105.

In FIG. 1 b, second portion 105 is shown attached to a second object 160with external surface 162 of second object 160 in contact with innersurface 142 of second portion 103. External surface 162 of second object160 may be optionally adhered to inner surface 142 of second portion 105with an adhesive (not shown). A gasket 156 is shown on proximal surface140 of second portion 105 facing toward first portion 103.

FIG. 1 c shows a cross section view of coupling device 101 as shown inFIG. 1 b but with coupling device 101 engaged. First object 150 andsecond object 160 are held together by magnetically attractive forcesgenerated by interactions of magnets and/or metal pieces 114, 134 offirst portion 103 and second portion 105, respectively. Gaskets 146, 156are depressed by compaction as a result of magnetically attractiveforces between magnets and/or metal pieces 114, 134 when first portion103 and second portion 105 are engaged.

Although FIG. 1 shows magnets and/or metal pieces 114, 134 of firstportion 103 and second portion 105 at approximately equal intervals, itis to be understood that magnets and/or metal pieces of coupling deviceof present invention may be irregularly and/or asymmetrically spaced.The magnets and/or metal pieces may have any size and may be positionedanywhere within first and second portions of coupling device. Forexample, magnets and/or metal pieces may be positioned within collaritself, thus eliminating any need for protrusions as part of either orboth upper portion and/or lower portion. The only limitation is thatmagnets and/or metal pieces must be sized and positioned appropriatelywithin upper portion and lower portion such that sufficient magneticallyattractive forces are generated to hold first object and second objecttogether as desired.

The overall shape of upper portion 103 and lower portion 105 of couplingdevice 101 is shown in FIG. 1 as being circular. However, it should beunderstood that, depending on the shape of objects joined by couplingdevice, upper portion and lower portion of coupling device may have anyshape, including regular or irregular polygons or any other appropriateclosed curve, to accommodate the shapes of the objects.

Magnets and/or metal pieces themselves may also have any dimension orshape. For example, according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 2, magnetsand/or metal pieces 204, 214 may be rectangular in shape and placed insimilarly shaped holes 206, 216 of coupling device 201. Such holes mayexist within protrusions 208, 218 of first portion 202 and secondportion 203 of coupling device 201.

The coupling device of the present invention may further comprise aridge and groove structure as a means for attaching (or strengtheningattachment between) first portion and second portion to first object andsecond object, respectively. For example, according to some embodimentsof the present invention as shown in FIG. 3 a, first portion 303 ofcoupling device 301 has a groove 328 on proximal surface 320 of collar310, and second portion 305 has a groove 358 on proximal surface 340 ofcollar 330. As shown in cross-section in FIG. 3 b, first object 350comprises a ridge 356 that mates with groove 328 of first portion 303 ofcoupling device 301. Likewise, second object 360 also comprises a ridge366 that mates with groove 358 of second portion 305 of coupling device301.

The reversible attachment between ridge 356 of first object 350 andgroove 328 of first portion 303 of coupling device 301 and between ridge366 of second object 360 and groove 358 of second portion 305 ofcoupling device 301 may be achieved by “slip-fit” frictional forces.Such “slip-fit” attachment mechanism may exist between inner surface 322of first portion 303 and external surface 352 of first object 350.Likewise, such “slip-fit” frictional attachment mechanism may existbetween inner surface 342 of second portion 305 and external surface 362of second object 360. In addition, attachment via such “slip-fit”frictional forces may be supplemented by application of an adhesive.

FIG. 3 c shows a cross section view of coupling device 301 as shown inFIG. 3 b but with coupling device 301 engaged. First object 350 andsecond object 360 are held together by magnetically attractive forcesgenerated by interactions of magnets and/or metal pieces 314, 334 offirst portion 303 and second portion 305, respectively. Gaskets 346, 368are depressed by compaction as a result of magnetically attractiveforces from magnets and/or metal pieces 314, 334 when first portion 303and second portion 305 are engaged.

FIG. 3 d shows a cross-section for an alternative arrangement similar toFIG. 3 b with the addition of a flange 386 to second object to helpguide and possibly secure engagement of first portion 374 and secondportion 384 of coupling device. As shown, the relative size of firstportion 374 and second portion 384 are adjusted so that first portion374 attached to first object may fit around flange 386 of second object380. However, it should be understood that different and/or opposingorientations are possible. For example, flange may be attached to firstobject instead (not shown). In addition, flanges may also extend fromeither or both first portion or second portion of coupling device (notshown).

It should also be understood that gaskets may be placed on objectsthemselves. For example, FIGS. 3 f and 3 g shows a cross-section of acoupling device similar to the one shown in FIGS. 3 d and 3 e with theexception that gaskets 378, 388 are placed on proximal surfaces 376, 390of first object 370 and second object 380. Ridge 366 of second object380 is shown extended (relative to FIGS. 3 d and 3 e) to accommodategasket 388. FIG. 3 f shows cross-section of the coupling device withfirst portion 374 and first object 370 separated and disengaged fromsecond portion 384 and second object 380, whereas FIG. 3 g shows firstportion 374 and second portion 384 engaged and holding first object 370and second object 380 together.

Objects of the present invention may include a variety of tubularobjects. Such tubular objects generally include objects that are hollowor contain a lumen. For example, tubular objects may include hoses,pipes, poles, etc. The cross-section of tubular objects joined by thecoupling device of the present invention may theoretically have any sizeor shape, including regular or irregular polygons or any otherappropriate closed curve shape as described above. In addition, thecross-sectional shape of the objects may be different at differentpositions along their length. However, first and second portions ofcoupling device must be attached to objects such that coupling device isable to become engaged.

Tubular objects joined by coupling device of present invention may alsoinclude closed ended objects, such as a container and a lid. Accordingto one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 shows a coupling device 401for holding a lid 403 and a container 405 together. In this particularexample, the objects comprise a lid and a container to serve as ahumidifier container with an input hookup 415 and an output hookup 417incorporated into lid 403 such that gas passing through closedhumidifier container may be humidified by water or fluid present inhumidifier container. Lid 403 is shown attached to a first portion 407of coupling device 401, and container 405 is shown attached to a secondportion 409 of coupling device 401. Engagement of first portion 407 withsecond portion 409 of coupling device 401 encloses a volume 420 insidelid 403 and container 405 through magnetically attractive forces. Thecoupling device 401 shown in FIG. 4 for the humidifier container issimilar in cross-section to coupling device depicted in FIG. 3 d andFIG. 3 e.

Although FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 depict first portion and second portionof coupling device attached to external surfaces or exterior of objects,first portion and/or second portion of coupling device may also have aninverted arrangement and may be attached to an internal surface orinterior of objects. For example, FIG. 5 a shows a coupling device 501with outer surface 524 of first portion 503 attached to internal surface554 of first object 550 and with outer surface 544 of second portion 505attached to internal surface 564 of second object 560 with first portion503 and second portion 505 disengaged and separated. Accordingly,magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 514, 534 are shown near internalsurfaces 554, 564 of objects 550, 560.

First object 550 is further shown with a ridge 556 that is designed tomate with groove 528 on proximal surface 520 of collar 510 of firstportion 503. Likewise, second object 560 is shown with a ridge 566 thatis designed to mate with groove 558 on proximal surface 540 of collar530 of second portion 505. In this way, first portion 503 and secondportion 505 of coupling device 501 may be attached and held to firstobject 550 and second object 560, respectively, using “slip-fit”frictional forces. In addition, such slip-fit frictional forces may bereinforced by application of an adhesive (not shown). Second object 560is also shown with flange 586 that may be optionally present to guideand stabilize coupling device 501 when engaged.

FIG. 5 b shows a close-up cross-sectional view of coupling device 501attached to objects 550, 560 when disengaged and separated and takenfrom a plane near protrusions 512, 532. FIG. 5 c shows a similarcross-sectional view of coupling device 501 attached to objects 550, 560as shown in FIG. 5 b properly engaged. In this example, flange 586guides and stabilizes engagement of coupling device 501 by contactbetween internal surface 587 of flange 586 and external surface 552 offirst object 550. One or more gaskets may also be present on opposingsurfaces of object(s) and/or portion(s) of coupling device. In thisexample, gaskets 546, 568 are shown on proximal surfaces 520, 540 offirst portion 503 and second portion 505 of coupling device 501, suchthat gaskets 546, 568 become depressed under magnetically attractiveforces when coupling device 501 is engaged.

Although magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 514, 534 are shown inprotrusions 512, 532 of collar 510, 530 of first and second portions503, 505, it is to be understood that such protrusions 512, 532 areoptional, and magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 514, 534 may instead beplaced in collar 510, 530 of first and second portions 503, 505.Although magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 514, 534 are shown regularlyspaced-apart, such magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 514, 534 may also beirregularly spaced. Although flange 586 is shown as a part of secondobject 560 and near external surface 552 of first object 550 whenengaged, a flange may alternatively be placed on first object 550 orfirst portion 503 or second portion 505 of coupling device 501 in anyacceptable orientation.

Although FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 depict first portion and second portionof coupling device attached to either internal or external surfaces ofobjects, first portion and second portion of coupling device may insteadbe attached to different and/or opposite surfaces of objects. Forexample, FIG. 6 a shows a coupling device 601 having a first portion 603designed to attach to a first object 650 on the internal surface 654 offirst object 650 and a second portion 605 designed to attach to a secondobject 660 on the external surface 662 of second object 660. In thisview, first portion 603 and second portion 605 of coupling device 601are shown disengaged and separated.

FIG. 6 b shows a close-up cross-sectional view of first portion 603 ofcoupling device 601 attached to a first object 650 and second portion605 of coupling device 601 attached to a second object 660 when couplingdevice 601 is disengaged and separated. According to this embodiment ofthe invention, outer surface 624 of first portion 603 is shown attachedto internal surface 654 of first object 650 with magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) 614, 634 positioned near internal surface 654 of first object650. However, in contrast to first portion 603, FIG. 6 b also showsinner surface 642 of second portion 605 attached to external surface 662of second object 660 with magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 614, 634positioned near external surface 662 of second object 660.

First object 650 is further shown with a ridge 656 that is designed tomate with groove 628 at corner of proximal 620 and outer 624 surfaces ofcollar 610 of first portion 603. In contrast, second object 660 is shownwith a ridge 666 that is designed to mate with groove 658 at corner ofproximal 640 and inner 642 surfaces of collar 630 of second portion 605.In this way, first portion 603 and second portion 605 of coupling device601 may be attached and held to first object 650 and second object 660,respectively, using “slip-fit” frictional forces. In addition, suchslip-fit frictional forces may be reinforced by application of anadhesive (not shown). Second object 660 is also shown with flange 686that may be optionally present to guide and stabilize coupling device601 when engaged.

FIG. 6 c shows a similar cross-sectional view of coupling device 601attached to objects 650, 660 as shown in FIG. 6 b properly engaged. Inthis example, flange 686 guides and stabilizes engagement of couplingdevice 601 by contact between external surface 689 of flange 686 andinner surface 622 of first portion 603. One or more gaskets may also bepresent on opposing surfaces of object(s) and/or portion(s) of couplingdevice. In this example, gaskets 646, 668 are shown on proximal surfaces620, 640 of first portion 603 and second portion 605 of coupling device601, such that gaskets 646, 668 become depressed under magneticallyattractive forces when coupling device 601 is engaged.

Although magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 614, 634 are shown regularlyspaced-apart, such magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 614, 634 may also beirregularly spaced. Although flange 686 is shown as a part of secondobject 660 and near inner surface 622 of first portion 603 when engaged,a flange may alternatively be placed on either first object 650 orsecond object 660 or first portion 603 or second portion 605 of couplingdevice 601 in any acceptable orientation.

Although FIG. 1 through FIG. 6 depict first portion and second portionof coupling device containing a plurality of spaced-apart magnet(s)and/or metal piece(s), it is to be understood that coupling device ofpresent invention may also contain singular annular magnet(s) and/ormetal piece(s). For example, FIG. 7 a shows first portion 703 and secondportion 705 of coupling device 701 having annular magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) 714, 734. First portion 703 is designed to attach to a firstobject 750, and second portion 705 is designed to attach to a secondobject 760. In this view, first portion 703 and second portion 705 ofcoupling device 701 are shown disengaged and separated.

FIG. 7 b shows a close-up cross-sectional view of first portion 703 ofcoupling device 701 attached to a first object 750 and second portion705 of coupling device 701 attached to a second object 760 when couplingdevice 701 is disengaged and separated. According to this embodiment ofthe present invention, orientation and position of first portion andsecond portion of coupling device relative to first object and secondobject are similar to cross-section shown in FIG. 3 d with the exceptionthat each magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 714, 734 present within firstportion 703 and second portion 705 comprise an annular magnet and/ormetal piece 714, 734. Although each magnet and/or metal piece 714, 734in FIG. 7 is shown as a single annular magnet and/or metal piece 714,734, it is to be understood that annular magnet and/or metal piece 714,734 may be further segmented into multiple magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) (not shown). Furthermore, even when a singular continuousannular magnet and/or metal piece is used, multiple continuous annularmagnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) may be stacked along proximal-distalaxis of coupling device (not shown).

First object 750 is shown with a ridge 756 that is designed to mate withgroove 728 at corner of proximal 720 and inner 722 surfaces of collar710 of first portion 703. Likewise, second object 760 is shown with aridge 766 that is designed to mate with groove 758 at corner of proximal740 and inner 742 surfaces of collar 730 of second portion 705. In thisway, first portion 703 and second portion 705 of coupling device 701 maybe attached and held to first object 750 and second object 760,respectively, using “slip-fit” frictional forces. In addition, suchslip-fit frictional forces may be reinforced by application of anadhesive (not shown). Second object 760 is also shown with flange 786that may be optionally present to guide and stabilize coupling device701 when engaged.

FIG. 7 c shows a similar cross-sectional view of coupling device 701attached to objects 750, 760 as shown in FIG. 7 b properly engaged. Inthis example, flange 786 guides and stabilizes engagement of couplingdevice 701 by contact between external surface 789 of flange 786 andinternal surface 754 of first object 750. Although flange 786 is shownas a part of second object 760 and near internal surface 754 of firstobject 750 when engaged, a flange may alternatively be placed on firstobject 750 or first portion 703 or second portion 705 of coupling device701 in any acceptable orientation. One or more gaskets may also bepresent on opposing surfaces of object(s) and/or portion(s) of couplingdevice. In this example, gaskets 746, 768 are shown on proximal surfaces720, 740 of first portion 703 and second portion 705 of coupling device701, such that gaskets 746, 768 become depressed under magneticallyattractive forces when coupling device 701 is engaged.

Although FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 generally describe magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) as part of a first or a second portion of coupling device ofpresent invention, it is to be understood that coupling device ofpresent invention may further comprise objects themselves to be joined,and magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) of present invention may beintegrated into such objects to be joined. For example, FIG. 8 showsmagnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 814, 834 integrated within first object850 and second object 860, such that first object 850 and second object860 may be held together by magnetically attractive forces when properlyengaged. In this example, a flange 886 is further shown as a part ofsecond object 860 to guide and stabilize engagement of first object 850and second object 860 by contact between external surface 889 of flange886 with groove 828 on internal surface 854 of first object 850. One ormore gaskets may also be present on opposing surfaces of object(s). Inthis example, gaskets 846, 868 are shown on proximal surfaces 820, 840of first object 850 and second object 860 of coupling device 801, suchthat gaskets 846, 868 become depressed under magnetically attractiveforces when coupling device 801 is engaged.

Although flange 886 is shown as a part of second object 860 and nearinternal surface 854 of first object 850 when engaged, a flange mayalternatively be placed on either first object 850 or second object 860in any acceptable orientation. Although magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s)814, 834 are shown regularly spaced-apart, such magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) 814, 834 may alternatively be irregularly spaced. In addition,such magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 814, 834 may each comprise a singleannular magnet and/or metal piece.

Although FIG. 1 through FIG. 8 show coupling device of present inventionwith magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) either as a part of a first portionand a second portion of coupling device or integrated within objectsthemselves, it is to be understood that coupling device of presentinvention may further comprise any combination thereof. For example,FIG. 9 shows a coupling device 901 comprising a collar 910 having aplurality of spaced apart magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 914 attachedto a first object 950 and a second object 960 having a plurality ofmagnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 934 integrated within second object 960.FIG. 9 shows collar 910 attached to external surface 952 of first object950 disengaged and separated from second object 960. First object 950 isshown with a ridge 956 that is designed to mate with groove 928 atcorner of proximal 920 and inner 922 surfaces of collar 910. In thisway, collar 910 may be attached and held to first object 950 using“slip-fit” frictional forces. In addition, such slip-fit frictionalforces may be reinforced by application of an adhesive (not shown).First object 950 is also shown with flange 986 that may be optionallypresent to guide and stabilize coupling device 901 when engaged. One ormore gaskets may also be present on opposing surfaces of collar 910and/or object(s) 950, 960. In this example, gaskets 946, 968 are shownon proximal surfaces 920, 940 of collar 910 and second object 960 ofcoupling device 901, such that gaskets 946, 968 become depressed undermagnetically attractive forces when coupling device 901 is engaged.

Although flange 986 is shown as a part of first object 950 and nearinternal surface 964 of second object 960 when engaged, a flange mayalternatively be placed on either first object 950 or second object 960or collar 910 in any acceptable orientation. Although collar 910 ofcoupling device 901 is shown attached to external surface 952 of firstobject 950, collar 910 may alternatively be attached to internal surface954 of first object 950. Although magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 914,934 are shown regularly spaced-apart, such magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) 914, 934 may alternatively be irregularly spaced. In addition,such magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) 914, 934 may each comprise a singleannular magnet and/or metal piece.

The coupling device of present invention has several key advantages overprior devices and methods as a means for reversibly holding two or moreobjects together. For instance, because coupling device of presentinvention may be separate from objects themselves and reversiblyattached to such objects, once objects have been used, coupling deviceof present invention may be detached from such objects so that objectsmay be discarded. Coupling device may then be reused with a new set ofobjects. Furthermore, because coupling device of present invention maybe attached to external surface of objects, coupling device may bereused with a new set of objects while eliminating or reducing any riskof cross-contamination, which is an important factor for a variety ofapplications related to research as well as health and veterinary care.

As opposed to threaded screw-type mechanisms used for joining objectstogether, coupling device of present invention avoids issues relating toover-tightening and stripping by eliminating any need for threading orother physical interlocking mechanisms. Thread deterioration orstripping may cause many prior art devices and methods to becomenon-functional and may lead to leakage of material or contents beingcarried or contained by objects themselves. In this sense, couplingdevice of the present invention is more durable than many prior artdevices and methods by not relying on any physical interlocking means,such as threading, to maintain contact. Therefore, coupling device ofthe present invention does not experience the normal “wear-and-tear” ofmany prior art devices and methods.

A further advantage of present invention is that because physicalcontact between two or more objects and/or coupling device may belimited to gasket(s) between two or more joined surfaces, the two ormore objects joined may be electric-, signal-, radio-, and/orground-isolated. This is especially true where such gasket(s) are madeof an insulating material. In contrast, threaded screw-type mechanismsor other interlocking mechanisms relying on mechanical forces tomaintain contact between objects often create continuous conductivitybetween such objects, such as where metal pipes, etc. are connected.

Another advantage of coupling device of present invention is that notorque is required to engage or disengage coupling device of presentinvention. Instead, to couple two or more objects together using devicesand methods of present invention, such objects are simply juxtaposed ina proper orientation and/or alignment. Although a slight rotation mayaid breaking of magnetic field holding two or more objects together, twoor more objects may be separated by simply pulling two or more objectsapart with sufficient force. For example, two or more objects may beseparated by tilting and/or prying one object from another. This kind ofsimple engagement and disengagement of coupling device of presentinvention poses relatively little strain on the user by not requiring,for example, any twisting or torque to engage and disengage suchobjects. This is especially important for many elderly persons inparticular who suffer from muscle weakness, arthritis, muscle and jointpain, etc.

Another related advantage of coupling device of present invention isthat because coupling device may be engaged generally by juxtaposingportions of coupling device and/or objects and disengaged by pullingportions of coupling device and/or objects apart, the rate ofassembly/mating and disassembly/separation is much faster than manyother types of devices, including threaded screw-type mechanisms.Because coupling device may be generally engaged by simply juxtaposingportions of coupling device and/or objects and disengaged by pullingportions of coupling device and/or objects apart, no tools are requiredunlike many other types of connections.

Another potential advantage of coupling device of present invention isthat because establishment of magnetically attractive forces generallyrelies on juxtaposition of magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) withcorresponding magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s), particular arrangementsor relative orientations of two or more objects joined by couplingdevice may be encouraged or required. According to most of the examplesand figures described above, magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) aregenerally shown as being regularly spaced-apart at approximately equalangles. Such arrangements will generally encourage or require a limitednumber of possible alignments and relative orientations between suchobjects joined depending on the number of regularly spaced-apartmagnet(s) and/or metal piece(s). Conversely, the number of possiblealignments and relative orientations between such objects joined may beincreased by increasing the number of magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s),and by extension, the number of possible alignments and relativeorientations between such objects joined may become unlimited by usingan annular magnet and/or piece of metal.

However, it is to be understood that magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) ofcoupling device of present invention may be asymmetrically arranged suchthat the number of possible alignments and relative orientations betweensuch objects joined is even further limited. For example, FIG. 10 ashows four magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) positioned at unequal angles(α, β, γ, δ), such that only one possible alignment or orientation isallowed with corresponding magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) having thesame set of unequal angles. As an additional example, FIG. 10 b showsfour magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) positioned at unequal angles (α,β), such that only two possible alignments or orientations are allowedwith corresponding magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) having the sameunequal angles. Thus, by encouraging or requiring specific alignments ofmagnet(s) and/or metal piece(s), coupling device of present inventionallows for objects to be quickly and automatically assembled intoparticular relative orientations between such objects by simplyjuxtaposing corresponding magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s).

Whether magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) are asymmetric orregularly-spaced, having spaced-apart magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s)acts to limit rotational movement of coupling device relative to theobjects joined by encouraging or requiring particular alignment(s) ofmagnet(s) and/or metal piece(s). This feature is reinforced by the factthat depending on the exact arrangement, magnetic field lines ofrepulsion may exist between positions of proper alignment where magneticfield lines of attraction are maximal. To help ensure that any limitedrotation of coupling device is effective at similarly restraining orlimiting rotation of joined objects themselves, an additional mechanicalrestraint, such as a ridge and groove or the like, may be added to theinterface between coupling device and objects to disallow independentmovement by joined objects (not shown). It is also foreseeable thatparticular orientations may be encouraged or required by altering thedirection of the magnetic field for different corresponding magnet(s)and/or metal piece(s) (not shown).

In addition to features limiting relative rotational motion betweenportions of coupling device and objects joined, additional fastening orsecuring means may be added. For example, FIG. 11 a shows a clip 1175 tosecure engagement of first portion 1103 and second portion 1105 ofcoupling device once engaged by contacting distal surfaces 1118, 1138 offirst portion 1103 and second portion 1105. It is to be understood thatclip 1175 shown in FIG. 11 a only provides a generic example and thatclip 1175 may have any shape or dimension appropriate for securing andfastening first portion 1103 and second portion 1105 of coupling device1101 together.

Another example for an additional fastening or securing means isprovided in FIG. 11 b. In this example, a hook 1180 is attached at itshinge 1182 to outer surface 1144 of second portion 1105 of couplingdevice 1101, such that hook 1180 may swing into contact with distalsurface 1118 to secure engagement of first portion 1103 and secondportion 1105 of coupling device 1101. It is to be understood that hook1180 shown in FIG. 11 b only provides a generic example and that hook1180 may have any shape or dimension appropriate for securing andfastening first portion 1103 and second portion 1105 of coupling device1101 together.

Another example for an additional fastening or securing means isprovided in FIG. 11 c. In this example, a slot 1190 is shown throughfirst object 1150 and optionally through first portion 1103, and a tab1188 is shown present on external surface 1189 of flange 1186 of secondobject 1160. Once coupling device 1101 is properly engaged, tab 1188 isable to become inserted into tab 1190 to secure and fasten first portionand second portion of coupling device together once engaged. It is to beunderstood that slot 1190 and tab 1188 shown in FIG. 11 c only provide ageneric example and that slot 1190 and tab 1188 may have any shape,orientation, or dimension appropriate for securing or fastening firstportion 1103 and second portion 1105 of coupling device 1101 together.

Another example for an additional fastening or securing means isprovided in FIG. 11 d. In this example, a latch 1195 is shown continuouswith outer surface 1144 of second portion 1105 of coupling device 1101and having a stem 1196 and head 1197 sections, such that stem 1196 oflatch 1195 bends as first portion 1103 and second portion 1105 approachone another to achieve engagement of coupling device 1101, such thathead 1197 is allowed to pass over outer surface 1124 of first portion1103 of coupling device 1101. Once coupling device 1101 becomes fullyengaged, head 1197 snaps into place to contact distal surface 1118 offirst portion 1103. In this way, latch 1195 secures and fastensengagement of first portion 1103 and second portion 1105 of couplingdevice 1101. It is to be understood that latch 1195 shown in FIG. 11 donly provides a generic example and that latch 1195 may have any shapeor dimension appropriate for securing and fastening first portion 1103and second portion 1105 of coupling device 1101 together.

Although the examples for additional fastening or securing means shownin FIG. 11 a through FIG. 11 d depict such fastening and securing meansin relation to the particular coupling device shown, it is to beunderstood that other mechanical mechanisms for securing or fasteningcoupling device of present invention together once engaged. It shouldalso be understood that the examples of fastening or securing meansshown in FIG. 11 a through FIG. 11 d may also be modified to accommodatevarious different embodiments of the coupling device of the presentinvention. It should be further understood, that for each example, anythe number of additional fastening or securing means may be multipliedand/or used in combination with other types of fastening or securingmeans.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the couplingdevice allows for the amount, orientation, and directionality ofmagnetically attractive forces to be adjustable depending on itsintended application. As stated above, by altering the number, position,size, shape, strength, orientation, type, composition, density, etc. ofmagnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) in relation to one another, couplingdevice of present invention may be designed and customized to suitparticular applications. However, it should be understood that magnet(s)and/or metal piece(s) of present invention do not have to be perfectlyaligned with corresponding magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) to befunctional. Indeed, all that is required is that magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) of present invention have appropriate characteristics,position, etc. such that sufficient magnetically attractive forces aregenerated by coupling device to appropriately join two or more objectsfor a particular application. In fact, not all magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s) must contribute to the force of attraction between two or moreobjects nor must they all have corresponding magnet(s) and/or metalpiece(s).

Another advantage of the present invention relates to particular kindsof tubular objects, including containers and lids. By avoiding any needfor threaded screw-type mechanisms or other physical interlockingmechanisms that rely on mechanical forces to maintain contact, couplingdevice of present invention may be designed such that contactingsurfaces between portions of coupling device and/or container and lidare allowed to “breath” when the contents or materials within suchclosed containers or objects are under pressure. If a particular set ofobjects, such as a container and lid, contain a gas or fluid underpressure relative to the outside environment, such increased pressuremay partially overcome the magnetically attractive forces generated bymagnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) to create a gap that allows pressure toescape. As a result, pressure within the interior of such objects isreduced, and magnetically attractive forces are again allowed toovercome any forces of pressure from within such objects to rejoin andclose the coupling device.

Thus, depending on the circumstances, coupling device of presentinvention may have an intrinsic pressure release mechanism thatcontinually and proportionally responds to changes in pressure withinsuch objects. As with the humidifier container example shown in FIG. 4,by designing coupling device of present invention to respond dynamicallyto the amount of pressure within the humidifier container, couplingdevice of present invention eliminates any need for a pressure releasevalve currently used on threaded type devices. Should a blockage of thedispensed gas flow exist, current devices have a pressure release torelieve excess pressure. However, coupling device of present inventionhas the advantage of relieving pressure by allowing the seal betweenportion(s) of coupling device and/or container and lid to be broken atleast temporarily to relieve pressure. By eliminating any need for apressure release valve by using coupling device of present invention,the cost of producing the humidifier container itself may be reduced,and the humidifier container may also be easier to clean due to therebeing fewer minor surfaces or crevices.

Although the present invention has been fully described in conjunctionwith several embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modificationsmay be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes andmodifications are to be understood as included within the scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they departtherefrom.

1. A coupling device, comprising: a first collar having at least tworadially spaced-apart magnets creating a discontinuous magnetic field;and a second collar having at least two corresponding metal pieces,wherein said first collar is separate and distinct from a first objectand is slidably interfaced to the first object and positioned at or nearan end of said first object, wherein said second collar is separate anddistinct from a second object and is slidably interfaced to the secondobject and positioned at or near an end of said second object, andwherein said first object and said second object are held together bythe first collar and the second collar by magnetically attractive forceswhen said first collar and said second collar are engaged.
 2. Thecoupling device of claim 1, wherein said at least one correspondingmetal piece of said second collar comprises a plurality of radiallyspaced-apart metal pieces.
 3. The coupling device of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one magnet of said first collar comprises a plurality ofradially spaced-apart magnets and said at least one corresponding metalpiece of said second collar comprises a plurality of radiallyspaced-apart metal pieces.
 4. The coupling device of claim 3, whereinsaid plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of said first collar andsaid plurality of radially spaced-apart metal pieces of said secondcollar are regularly spaced.
 5. The coupling device of claim 4, whereinsaid plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of said first collar andsaid plurality of radially spaced-apart metal pieces of said secondcollar are aligned when engaged.
 6. The coupling device of claim 3,wherein said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of said firstcollar and said plurality of radially spaced-apart metal pieces of saidsecond collar are asymmetrically spaced.
 7. The coupling device of claim6, wherein said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of said firstcollar and said plurality of radially spaced-apart metal pieces of saidsecond collar are aligned when engaged.
 8. The coupling device of claim1, wherein said first collar is positioned around an external peripheryof said first object and said second collar is positioned around anexternal periphery of said second object.
 9. The coupling device ofclaim 1, wherein said first collar is positioned around an internalperiphery of said first object and said second collar is positionedaround an internal periphery of said second object.
 10. The couplingdevice of claim 1, wherein said first collar is positioned around anexternal periphery of said first object and said second collar ispositioned around an internal periphery of said second object.
 11. Thecoupling device of claim 1, wherein said first collar is positionedaround an internal periphery of said first object and said second collaris positioned around an external periphery of said second object. 12.The coupling device of claim 1, wherein said first object furthercomprises a ridge and said first collar further comprises a groove, suchthat said ridge of said first object forcibly fits into said groove ofsaid first collar when attached.
 13. The coupling device of claim 1,wherein said second object further comprises a ridge and said secondcollar further comprises a groove, such that said ridge of said secondobject forcibly fits into said groove of said second collar whenattached.
 14. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein said first collarfurther comprises a gasket that contacts said second collar when saidfirst collar and said second collar are engaged.
 15. The coupling deviceof claim 1, wherein said second collar further comprises a gasket thatcontacts said first collar when said first collar and said second collarare engaged.
 16. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein said firstobject further comprises a gasket that contacts said second object whensaid first collar and said second collar are engaged.
 17. The couplingdevice of claim 1, wherein said second object further comprises a gasketthat contacts said first object when said first collar and said secondcollar are engaged.
 18. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein saidfirst object comprises a tubular object.
 19. The coupling device ofclaim 18, wherein said first object comprises a container.
 20. Thecoupling device of claim 19, wherein said second object comprises a lid.21. The coupling device of claim 18, wherein said second objectcomprises a tubular object.
 22. The coupling device of claim 1, whereinsaid first object further comprises a flange to guide the engagement ofsaid second collar attached to said second object with said first collarattached to said first object.
 23. The coupling device of claim 1,wherein said second object further comprises a flange to guide theengagement of said first collar attached to said first object with saidsecond portion of said coupling device attached to said second object.24. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein said coupling device furthercomprises means for securing said first portion and said second portiontogether when said first portion and said second portion are engaged.25. The coupling device of claim 24, wherein said securing meanscomprises a clip.
 26. The coupling device of claim 25, wherein said clipfits around the exterior of both of said first portion and said secondportion.
 27. The coupling device of claim 24, wherein said securingmeans comprises a hook.
 28. The coupling device of claim 27, whereinsaid hook is fixed to said first portion and swings into a placementthat secures said second portion to said first portion.
 29. The couplingdevice of claim 27, wherein said hook is fixed to said second portionand swings into a placement that secures said first portion to saidsecond portion.
 30. The coupling device of claim 24, wherein saidsecuring means comprises a latch.
 31. The coupling device of claim 30,wherein said latch is fixed to said first portion and wherein said latchsecures said second portion to said first portion when said firstportion and said second portion are engaged.
 32. The coupling device ofclaim 30, wherein said latch is fixed to said second portion and whereinsaid latch secures said first portion to said second portion when saidfirst portion and said second portion are engaged.
 33. The couplingdevice of claim 1, wherein said first collar further has at least onemetal piece.
 34. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein said secondcollar further has at least one magnet.
 35. A coupling device,comprising: a first collar having at least two radially spaced-apartmagnets creating a discontinuous magnetic field; and a second collarhaving at least two corresponding magnets, wherein said first collar isremovably positioned around a first object and positioned at or near theperiphery of said first object, wherein said second collar is removablyattached to a second object and positioned at or near the periphery ofsaid second object, and wherein said first object and said second objectare held together by magnetically attractive forces when said firstcollar and said second collar are engaged, wherein said first collar ispositioned around an external periphery of said first object and saidsecond collar is positioned around an internal periphery of said secondobject.
 36. The coupling device of claim 35, wherein said at least onecorresponding magnet of said second collar comprises a plurality ofradially spaced-apart magnets.
 37. The coupling device of claim 35,wherein said at least one magnet of said first collar comprises aplurality of radially spaced-apart magnets and said at least onecorresponding magnet of said second collar comprises a plurality ofradially spaced-apart magnets.
 38. The coupling device of claim 37,wherein said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of said firstcollar and said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of saidsecond collar are regularly spaced.
 39. The coupling device of claim 38,wherein said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of said firstcollar and said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of saidsecond collar are aligned when engaged.
 40. The coupling device of claim37, wherein said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of saidfirst collar and said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of saidsecond collar are asymmetrically spaced.
 41. The coupling device ofclaim 40, wherein said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets ofsaid first collar and said plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets ofsaid second collar are aligned when engaged.
 42. The coupling device ofclaim 35, wherein said first collar is positioned around an externalperiphery of said first object and said second collar is positionedaround an external periphery of said second object.
 43. The couplingdevice of claim 35, wherein said first object further comprises a ridgeand said first collar of said coupling device further comprises agroove, such that said ridge of said first object forcibly fits intosaid groove of said first collar when attached.
 44. The coupling deviceof claim 35, wherein said second object further comprises a ridge andsaid second collar of said coupling device further comprises a groove,such that said ridge of said second object forcibly fits into saidgroove of said second collar when attached.
 45. The coupling device ofclaim 35, wherein said first collar further comprises a gasket thatcontacts said second collar when said first collar and said secondcollar are engaged.
 46. The coupling device of claim 35, wherein saidsecond collar further comprises a gasket that contacts said first collarwhen said first collar and said second collar are engaged.
 47. Thecoupling device of claim 35, wherein said first object further comprisesa gasket that contacts said second object when said first collar andsaid second collar are engaged.
 48. The coupling device of claim 35,wherein said second object further comprises a gasket that contacts saidfirst object when said first collar and said second collar are engaged.49. The coupling device of claim 35, wherein said first object comprisesa tubular object.
 50. The coupling device of claim 49, wherein saidfirst object comprises a container.
 51. The coupling device of claim 50,wherein said second object comprises a lid.
 52. The coupling device ofclaim 49, wherein said second object comprises a tubular object.
 53. Thecoupling device of claim 35, wherein said first object further comprisesa flange to guide the engagement of said first collar of said couplingdevice attached to said first object with said second collar of saidcoupling device attached to said second object.
 54. The coupling deviceof claim 35, wherein said second object further comprises a flange toguide the engagement of said first collar of said coupling deviceattached to said first object with said second collar of said couplingdevice attached to said second object.
 55. The coupling device of claim35, wherein said coupling device further comprises means for securingsaid first collar and said second collar together when said firstportion and said second portion are engaged.
 56. The coupling device ofclaim 55, wherein said securing means comprises a clip.
 57. The couplingdevice of claim 56, wherein said clip fits around the exterior of bothof said first portion and said second portion.
 58. The coupling deviceof claim 55, wherein said securing means comprises a hook.
 59. Thecoupling device of claim 58, wherein said hook is fixed to said firstportion and swings into a placement that secures said second portion tosaid first portion.
 60. The coupling device of claim 58, wherein saidhook is fixed to said second portion and swings into a placement thatsecures said first portion to said second portion.
 61. The couplingdevice of claim 55, wherein said securing means comprises a latch. 62.The coupling device of claim 61, wherein said latch is fixed to saidfirst collar and wherein said latch secures said second collar to saidfirst collar when said first collar and said second collar are engaged.63. The coupling device of claim 61, wherein said latch is fixed to saidsecond collar and wherein said latch secures said first collar to saidsecond collar when said first collar and said second collar are engaged.64. The coupling device of claim 35, wherein said first collar furtherhas at least one metal piece.
 65. The coupling device of claim 35,wherein said second collar further has at least one metal piece.
 66. Acoupling device, comprising: a first collar having at least two radiallyspaced-apart magnets creating a discontinuous magnetic field; and asecond collar having at least two corresponding magnets, wherein saidfirst collar is removably positioned around a first object andpositioned at or near the periphery of said first object, wherein saidsecond collar is removably attached to a second object and positioned ator near the periphery of said second object, and wherein said firstobject and said second object are held together by magneticallyattractive forces when said first collar and said second collar areengaged, wherein said first collar is positioned around an internalperiphery of said first object and said second collar is positionedaround an internal periphery of said second object.
 67. A couplingdevice, comprising: a first collar having at least two radiallyspaced-apart magnets creating a discontinuous magnetic field; and asecond collar having at least two corresponding metal pieces, whereinthe first collar is separate and distinct from the second collar and thefirst collar is slidably engaged with an end of a first object and thesecond collar is slidably engaged with an end of a second object, suchthat when said first collar and said second collar are engaged, saidfirst object and said second object are held together by magneticallyattractive forces between the at least two radially spaced-apart magnetsand the at least two corresponding metal pieces.
 68. The coupling deviceof claim 67, wherein the at least one corresponding metal piece of thefirst collar comprises a plurality of radially spaced-apart metalpieces.
 69. The coupling device of claim 67, wherein the at least onecorresponding metal piece of the second collar comprises a plurality ofradially spaced-apart metal pieces.
 70. The coupling device of claim 69,wherein the plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of the firstcollar and the plurality of radially spaced-apart metal pieces of thesecond collar are regularly spaced.
 71. The coupling device of claim 70,wherein the plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of the firstcollar and the plurality of radially spaced-apart metal pieces of thesecond collar are aligned when engaged.
 72. The coupling device of claim69, wherein the plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of the firstcollar and the plurality of radially spaced-apart metal pieces of thesecond collar are asymmetrically spaced.
 73. The coupling device ofclaim 72, wherein the plurality of radially spaced-apart magnets of thefirst collar and the plurality of radially spaced-apart metal pieces ofthe second collar are aligned when engaged.
 74. The coupling device ofclaim 67, wherein the second collar further comprises at least onemagnet.
 75. The coupling device of claim 67, wherein the at least twocorresponding metal pieces of the second collar are magnets.